Tatyoon moves closer to finals with big win

BIG EFFORT: Alice Astbury missed the round 12 match for Tatyoon but the Hawks still won comfortably against the Eagles. Picture: Peter Pickering

Tatyoon were able to outlast a brave Ararat Eagles team to pull off a 26 goal win in the round 12 match at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval on Saturday.

Eagles shooter Alana Jenkins started well against the Hawks, shooting 11 goals in the first quarter to give her team a one goal lead at the first break.

Jenkins used her height to allow quick ball entry into the circle and give herself plenty of scoring opportunities.

The shooter’s performance prompted Hawks defender Zoe Astbury to adjust her game after the first quarter to keep Jenkins from being influential on the outcome of the game.

She was able to hold Jenkins to just three goals in the second term, with her tight, defensive game pushing Jenkins further out of the ring along with the increase in pressure from the Hawks in the midcourt.

The Hawks were able to pick up the momentum in the second quarter, once they settled and adjusted their game.

Tatyoon piled on 17 goals in the second quarter to take an 11-goal lead into the main break with the score 33 goals to 22.

Leggett was important for Ararat, creating drive through the centre corridors and helping her team force the ball out of defence.

Her agility helped her rebound, however the Hawks goalies did not give her much opportunity to do so as they scored reasonably accurately throughout the match which added to the pressure for the Eagles.

The Hawks developed a strong lead at three quarter time and went into the final quarter ahead 48-32.

Astbury did not take her foot off the pedal in the final quarter, shooting 15 goals from 16 attempts in a fantastic shooting performance.

After a tight first quarter, the Hawks were able to pull out some quality netball and record a 69-43 goal win.

Jenkins and Leggett were named the Eagles’ best while the two Astbury’s combined for best on court honours for the visiting team.

The win keeps Tatyoon in third place on the ladder, two games clear of fourth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkeld.

The Eagles remain in ninth spot with three wins to their name, one game clear of Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in 10th position.

The team will have to win all remaining games to play finals which is looking increasingly unlikely for the 2017 season.

Tatyoon will host Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in its round 13 match with a win all but guaranteeing the Hawks a spot in the top five, leading them to play finals again in 2017.

The Eagles will be on the road for their round 13 match when they face Moyston-Willaura at Moyston.